Albert of Aachen: Historia Ierosolimitana, History of the Journey to Jerusalem

The Historia Ierosolimitana, attributed to Albert of Aachen, is the most complete, the most detailed and the most colourful of the contemporary narratives of the First Crusade and the careers of the first generation of Latin settlers in Outremer from 1095-1119. It comprises twelve books, the first six telling the story of the First Crusade through to the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 and its aftermath, and the final six describing the internal and external politics of the crusader states during the first two decades of settlement. Largely neglected by crusades scholarship, this modern edition and translation allows it to be studied alongside better known accounts.

This volume has been prepared from a critical study of all the extant manuscripts, and features the definitive Latin account, with English translation. Edgington supports the translation and text with an authoritative introduction, extensive historical notes and critical study of the work. This volume will alter the focus of crusades studies, generating interest in previously disregarded aspects of crusade and settlement in the first decades of the twelfth century.

Susan B. Edgington, Honorary Research Fellow, Queen Mary, University of London

Introduction
The Historia Ierosolimitana
The author
Dating
Sources
Single authorship
'Historia'
Albert's attitudes
Evaluation
Manuscripts
Lost manuscripts
Relationships of the manuscripts
Previous editions
Translations
The present edition